d up.

"A sail! a sail!" he exclaimed. "She is bringing up the breeze--she is
standing this way."

This announcement gave me a strength I did not believe that I
possessed--I raised Maud in my arms. "We shall be saved, dearest; our
prayers have been heard," I whispered. She opened her eyes, and seemed
to comprehend me.

"We must make a signal, or the vessel may pass us," said Mr Norton.
"Can you direct the natives to assist me? The broken spars, if lashed
together, will answer for a flagstaff."

I explained what the young Englishman required, and Tofa and a few
others, although scarcely able to lift themselves from the deck, secured
the spars, and fastened them together as he desired. A piece of matting
answered for a flag, and the flagstaff was held up on the deck.

How eagerly we watched the distant sail.

"She looks like a whaler, and if so, a bright look-out is certain to be
kept on board," observed Mr Norton.

On she came. Unless our small flag was observed, as the deck of the
canoe rose but a few feet above the water, should she pass only a mile
or two on either side she might sail away without noticing us. We did
not forget to pray that we might be seen. She came nearer and nearer.
At length, to our joy, we saw a flag run up to her mast-head as an
answer to our signal.

We were seen. Still the breeze was light, and the ship seemed to be a
long time coming up to us.

Every moment was of consequence. I dreaded lest aid should come too
late for dear Maud, while several others appeared unable to last much
longer.

How often do we mistrust God's mercy. The vessel came close to us, and
heaving-to, a boat was lowered.

"She is a whaler," exclaimed Mr Norton. "Water, water--bring water
with you," he shouted; but his voice was faint and hollow, he pointed to
his lips.

The sign was understood, for the boat put back, and a cask was lowered
into it. In another minute, with sturdy strokes, the boat's crew dashed
alongside. We heard the sound of English voices.

"You seem in a sad plight, my lad," said the officer of the boat. "We
thought you were all savages. Are there any more of you on board?"

Mr Norton pointed to where Maud and I lay. The cask of water was
lifted on deck, and the officer approached us with a cup. I begged him
to give Maud some. He poured a few drops down her throat.

"Come, young lady, you must take some now," he said.

How delicious was that draught--it almost inst